Past year the North Carolina state assembly approved $2.5 million in cuts to education funding, including layoffs and the elimination of vacant positions in low-income and low-performing school districts.

Following teachers' protests in West Virginia, Oklahoma and Arizona, educators in North Carolina are also taking on their state legislators in a public fight for higher wages and education funding.

"So many people, they tell us over and over again it's a hard job", Walker said.

The same report says North Carolina also ranks 39th in per-student spending - about $2,313 less per student than the national average of $11,642.

"That was my pay for the whole month", Cols, who is as employed as an English teacher, wrote.

- Create a multiyear pay plan for teachers, support staff, administrators and all other school personnel. "They're walking out of the classroom tomorrow after the largest teacher pay raises in history were passed by Republicans".

"This plan must include restoration of compensation for advanced degrees and longevity", the state teachers group said.

McCann recently wrote an op-ed for The Herald-Sun saying he would be at work Wednesday while more than 1,000 of his colleagues have made a decision to take the day off. "I, however, do not get paid for those days", he said. "I do not support the movement especially on the backs of our students".

"They need tomorrow and by not having it, they're at risk of not passing their grade", Jarvis said.

He ended the post by thanking teachers who aren't planning to participate in the rally, saying they are the one who "stand up to the bullies and self serving thugs of the Teachers Union and believe in showing up for work".

Hellwig invited families to spend Wednesday at Coconut Charlie's Bump N Bounce at 7409 Six Forks Road in Raleigh. "It's for parents who might need a little help on a day where we've been unfairly burdened".